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The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Environmental Stressors and Supports

Author

Listed:
  • Kristen G. Williams

    (School of Medicine, Mercer University, 1550 College Street, Macon, GA 31207, USA)

  • Kayla T. Patel

    (School of Medicine, Mercer University, 1550 College Street, Macon, GA 31207, USA)

  • Julie M. Stausmire

    (Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center, Academic Research Coordinator, 2222 Cherry St. Suite 1300 MOB 2, Toledo, OH 43608, USA)

  • Christy Bridges

    (School of Medicine, Mercer University, 1550 College Street, Macon, GA 31207, USA)

  • Mary W. Mathis

    (College of Health Professions, Mercer University, 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, GA 31404, USA)

  • Jennifer L. Barkin

    (School of Medicine, Mercer University, 1550 College Street, Macon, GA 31207, USA)

Abstract

The relationship between maternal mental health and infant development has been established in the literature. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a particularly challenging environment for new mothers as several natural processes are disrupted. The objective of this study is to elucidate protective factors and environmental deficits associated with the NICU. The experiences of forty-six ( n = 46) mothers of infants admitted to a Level III NICU in the Midwestern United States, who responded to a related open-ended question, were analyzed thematically. Five themes related to the NICU environment emerged as being either stressful or helpful: (1) amount and quality of communication with medical staff, (2) bedside manner of medical staff, (3) feeling alienated from infant’s care, (4) support from other NICU mothers and families, and (5) NICU Physical Environment and Regulations. There is a need for medical staff training on awareness, communication, empathy, and other behaviors that might improve maternal (and parental) experiences in the NICU. The physical environment, including rules and regulations of the NICU, should be reexamined with family comfort in mind in addition to the clinical care of the infant.

Suggested Citation

  • Kristen G. Williams & Kayla T. Patel & Julie M. Stausmire & Christy Bridges & Mary W. Mathis & Jennifer L. Barkin, 2018. "The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Environmental Stressors and Supports," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:1:p:60-:d:125204
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Sevda Gholizadeh Shamasbi & Jennifer L. Barkin & Solmaz Ghanbari-Homayi & Ommlbanin Eyvazzadeh & Mojgan Mirghafourvand, 2020. "The Relationship between Maternal Functioning and Mental Health after Childbirth in Iranian Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-11, February.
    2. Letizia Della Longa & Chiara Nosarti & Teresa Farroni, 2022. "Emotion Recognition in Preterm and Full-Term School-Age Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-19, May.

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